Govt to give free LED TV sets in off-grid areas

With renewables tariff already touching new lows, Power Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said there was no need for lower taxes to encourage clean energy and the GST regime will have no impact on power rates.

However, the minister is hopeful that lower GST rate of 5 per cent on coal, compared to existing 11.69 percent, would help discoms provide power at affordable rates.

"We don't need the support of lower taxes to encourage renewable energy. By itself, it is good for the nation. It reduces pollution. It gives discoms 25-year long affordable power at prices which are even below grid (parity price)," Goyal told reporters when asked if the new Goods and Services Tax rates would impact clean energy in India.

Solar power tariff dropped to all-time low of Rs 2.44 per unit which is below the grid parity price. Similarly under the wind power auction for 1GW, the tariff dipped to Rs 3.46 per unit.

The new rates of solar power discovered in the auctions are even below the average rate of coal-based power produced by NTPC at Rs 3.20 per unit.

The minister said,"Solar power prices have gone below grid parity. Wind power prices are also almost at grid parity despite only one bid (auction for 1GW)." He added that the situation on Friday is very different from the past as "We can stand on our feet".

Goyal said, "Twenty-five years later, other forms of power would be 3-4 times higher. Solar, wind and hydro would be affordable forms of power. I don't think GST rates will impact my sector's tariff."

Explaining further he said, "The GST regime is designed to help bring down costs. As we have seen rates unfolding on Thursday, we are little more encouraged that the GST will help bring one nation one tax and help the nation to reduce corruption and difficulties in operation and also bring simpler tax regime."